🔥 Top Stories
On April 21, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced cabinet amendments to the Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology and implementation guidelines. The revised regulations relax controls on military hardware and technology exports, enabling Japan to export advanced weapons systems including sixth-generation fighter jets. Analysts view this as a significant shift in Japan's defence export policy.
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission heard expert testimony Thursday that China is conducting a state-driven campaign to collect American data and weaponize it as a strategic asset, potentially critical in conflicts including over Taiwan. Experts warned that Washington is falling short in countering Beijing's data-collection drive, which could have far-reaching implications for American society, economy, and wartime capabilities.
China's diplomatic strategy has undergone a significant shift, with Beijing conducting fewer overseas state visits and instead welcoming foreign leaders to the capital. According to South China Morning Post data, Beijing is placing greater emphasis on neighbourhood diplomacy and engagement with European middle powers. This changing dynamic reflects Beijing's shift towards favouring high-level multilateralism, signalling growing confidence in its diplomatic approach.
Brazil's Congress on Thursday overturned President Lula's veto of legislation that dramatically reduces former president Bolsonaro's prison sentence. The 71-year-old Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison last year for coup plotting following his failed attempt to retain power after losing the 2022 election. This marks Lula's second major legislative defeat in two days, reflecting the conservative-majority Congress's influence.
The US Senate voted 51-47 to block a Democratic-led war powers resolution on Cuba, failing to constrain the Trump administration's authority over Cuba policy. The vote reflects Congress's long-standing difficulty asserting its war powers authority. With this outcome, decision-making power over US Cuba policy shifts decisively to the White House, leaving the island's future at a critical juncture.
🏛 Politics
On April 21, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced cabinet amendments to the Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology and implementation guidelines. The revised regulations relax controls on military hardware and technology exports, enabling Japan to export advanced weapons systems including sixth-generation fighter jets. Analysts view this as a significant shift in Japan's defence export policy.
Hong Kong authorities issued a statement criticizing anti-China forces and foreign media for attempting to minimize the criminal acts of imprisoned former media executive Jimmy Lai Chee-ying in connection with a global press freedom index release. The government defended Hong Kong's press freedom and emphasized that such actions disregard the rule of law.
The IPCC chair Jim Skea stated that the UN climate science body is proceeding with its operations despite the US government's withdrawal earlier this year. With 195 member states, approximately 110 to 120 countries typically attend IPCC meetings. Skea emphasized that the US absence, as one country among many, does not significantly impact the organization's functioning. Meanwhile, China is advancing as a leader in renewable energy development.
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission heard expert testimony Thursday that China is conducting a state-driven campaign to collect American data and weaponize it as a strategic asset, potentially critical in conflicts including over Taiwan. Experts warned that Washington is falling short in countering Beijing's data-collection drive, which could have far-reaching implications for American society, economy, and wartime capabilities.
China's diplomatic strategy has undergone a significant shift, with Beijing conducting fewer overseas state visits and instead welcoming foreign leaders to the capital. According to South China Morning Post data, Beijing is placing greater emphasis on neighbourhood diplomacy and engagement with European middle powers. This changing dynamic reflects Beijing's shift towards favouring high-level multilateralism, signalling growing confidence in its diplomatic approach.
Brazil's Congress on Thursday overturned President Lula's veto of legislation that dramatically reduces former president Bolsonaro's prison sentence. The 71-year-old Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison last year for coup plotting following his failed attempt to retain power after losing the 2022 election. This marks Lula's second major legislative defeat in two days, reflecting the conservative-majority Congress's influence.
The US Senate voted 51-47 to block a Democratic-led war powers resolution on Cuba, failing to constrain the Trump administration's authority over Cuba policy. The vote reflects Congress's long-standing difficulty asserting its war powers authority. With this outcome, decision-making power over US Cuba policy shifts decisively to the White House, leaving the island's future at a critical juncture.
The US Congress approved funding for most of the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, ending a record-breaking partial government shutdown that disrupted critical agencies for over two months. The House passed the measure, already approved by the Senate, sending it to President Trump for signature. The funding will support key DHS agencies through September 30, the end of the financial year, though it does not include new money for immigration and border enforcement.
The Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted Thursday to advance a proposal prohibiting all Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras, and computers for use in the United States. The agency noted that approximately 75 percent of US electronics are currently tested in China and plans to implement a streamlined approval process for devices tested in US or allied nation laboratories.
Myanmar's military government announced Thursday that 80-year-old former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest. Detained since the February 2021 military coup that ousted the civilian government, Suu Kyi has been held for over five years. The coup triggered a deadly civil war across the Southeast Asian nation. Her whereabouts had remained unclear until this transfer, marking a significant change in her detention status.
💰 Finance
China has implemented a zero-tariff policy covering 33 least-developed African countries since 2024, expanded on May 1 to include 20 middle-income African nations. The policy covers products including agricultural goods, frozen meat, and rare earths, lasting two years. It aims to help reduce Africa's significant trade deficit with China.
Asia's gold market is losing momentum as surging oil prices from the Iran conflict dampen rate-cut expectations. Rising energy costs have revived inflation concerns, making central banks less likely to cut rates and making interest-bearing assets more attractive. Gold prices fell 12 percent from US$5,247.90 per troy ounce on February 27 to US$4,620 on Friday, ending one of the metal's strongest rallies in recent years.
Columbia University professor Adam Tooze argues that China has shifted from catching up to redefining economic possibilities across manufacturing sectors. China's rapid advancement in aviation, space, AI, telecommunications, semiconductors, robotics, nuclear power, and quantum computing is prompting Western nations to reconsider their trade and industrial policies in response to this evolving economic landscape.
🌏 International
Taiwan's Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics announced first-quarter economic growth of 13.69%, marking the highest rate in nearly 39 years. The figure exceeded economist expectations, demonstrating Taiwan's economic resilience amid international challenges including the Iran conflict. The growth reflects strong support from both export and domestic demand sectors.
Taiwan's first quarter GDP growth rate was announced at 13.69%, revised upward by 2.23 percentage points from February's forecast, marking the highest single-quarter growth in nearly 39 years. Strong exports drove domestic production and investment, while private consumption also performed well. The growth rate significantly outpaced neighboring economies including China at 5%, Singapore at 4.6%, and South Korea at 3.6%.
Web hosting management software vendor cPanel disclosed and patched a critical authentication bypass vulnerability CVE-2026-41940 with a severity score of 9.8 this week. The flaw affects cPanel for individual hosting accounts and WHM (WebHost Manager) for entire managed servers, and has been observed in active exploitation campaigns.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday. Wang stated that Taiwan represents the greatest risk to US-China relations and urged the US to honor commitments. Rubio characterized the US-China relationship as the world's most important bilateral relationship, emphasizing the need to manage differences through mutual respect. The US State Department confirmed the call was primarily to arrange President Trump's visit to China this month.
The United States and allied nations including Bolivia and Paraguay issued a joint statement condemning China's detention of approximately 70 Panamanian-flagged vessels, accusing Beijing of politicizing maritime trade and violating regional sovereignty. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Western Hemisphere sovereignty is non-negotiable and called for respect for international law and freedom of navigation.
US President Trump stated Thursday that he is not ruling out the possibility of withdrawing American military forces from Italy and Spain, while criticizing Italy, Spain, and Germany for insufficient support. He emphasized that the US does not rely on other nations in Middle East affairs, alleging that most allies have chosen to remain passive. The remarks have heightened US-Europe tensions, with Germany's Foreign Minister responding that Berlin is prepared for such developments.
The United States' public debt has surpassed 100% of its gross domestic product, reaching near post-World War II highs. This metric reflects decades of budget deficits and accumulated debt. Economists warn that continued growth in the debt-to-GDP ratio could pose long-term risks to economic stability and fiscal sustainability.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration recorded a magnitude 6.1 earthquake off the eastern coast at 8:39 PM. The epicenter was located 38.7 kilometers northeast of Yilan County Government at a depth of 98.3 kilometers, classified as an intermediate-depth earthquake. The tremor was felt across Taiwan.
Taiwan's first-quarter economic growth reached 13.69%, the highest in nearly 39 years, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. The surge was driven by robust exports and investments fueled by artificial intelligence demand, combined with stronger-than-expected private consumption. The figure represents a 2.23 percentage point increase from the February forecast.
The UK has raised its terrorism threat level to severe, the second-highest classification. The country previously reached this alert level in November 2021 following an attempted bombing and the murder of a Member of Parliament. The elevation reflects authorities' reassessment of the current security situation.
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission heard expert testimony Thursday that China is conducting a state-driven campaign to collect American data and weaponize it as a strategic asset, potentially critical in conflicts including over Taiwan. Experts warned that Washington is falling short in countering Beijing's data-collection drive, which could have far-reaching implications for American society, economy, and wartime capabilities.
International oil prices fell on the 30th after touching near four-year highs. Brent crude futures surged to $126.41 per barrel intraday, marking the highest level since March 2022, but subsequently declined to $114.01, down 3.41%. US WTI crude fell 1.69% to $105.07. Market volatility remains elevated due to escalating US-Iran tensions, with persistent concerns about potential disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. Supply risks remain unresolved.
US President Trump is considering further military action against Iran. According to multiple media reports, Trump is expected to receive a comprehensive briefing from senior US military officials on Thursday, covering military options to escalate the conflict. The US Central Command will present plans including new strikes on Iranian infrastructure and potential special operations to address the two-week stalemate, with possible measures involving uranium stockpile seizure and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on April 30 to advance a proposal that would comprehensively prohibit Chinese laboratories from testing and certifying electronic devices intended for the US market. The ban would cover major consumer electronics including smartphones, cameras, and computers, representing part of US efforts to strengthen supply chain security through regulatory measures.
Iran stated today that if the United States resumes attacks and reasserts claims over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will launch retaliatory strikes against US positions. This statement reflects escalating tensions between Iran and the US, potentially affecting America's alliance-building efforts in the Middle East.